Piano Tuning
Tuning
All piano manufacturers recommend that their pianos be tuned at regular intervals. Steinway recommends that the piano be tuned four times yearly. Most manufacturers recommend that new pianos be tuned three to four times in the first year since the new strings will stretch and adjust more in the first year than in subsequent years. The same is true with newly rebuilt pianos and newly re-strung pianos.
Regardless of manufacturer they all agree that a piano should be tuned no less than two times yearly. We recommend tuning when you turn on the heat and again when you turn on the air conditioning. Professional tuning keeps the appropriate tension on the strings. Lack of tuning can cause a multitude of problems including cracks in the sound board.
An article was published in the Detroit news about a piano technician. His customer was bemoaning the fact that hedidn't send reminder notices when it was time to have her piano tuned. He asked if her dentist sent semi annual cleaning notices. When she replied yes, he suggested that when she received the notice from her dentist she should call him to set and appointment for a tuning as well.
We try to send notices to our customers, but if we should forget, please remember us when the dentist sends his notice.
There are several factors which affect the performance and tuning of a piano. The most common cause of a piano going out of tune is fluctuation in temperature and humidity.
Humidity
Humidity is probably the biggest factor. High humidity may cause keys to stick or become sluggish. It may also cause strings and tuning pins to rust. Low humidity may affect the sound of the keys, it can cause the tuning pins to loosen in the pinblock and cause the soundboard to crack. A humidity range of 35-55% is good for the piano (and your body as well).
There are some things we can do to help control conditions such as placing your piano where it won't be exposed to sources of humidity. You will want to avoid placing it near the kitchen where steam and heat sources vary every time you cook. Avoid placing it next to your new indoor waterfall and the children's vaporizer. A humidifier and dehumidifier will also help. Also consider the installation of a "Damp-chaser", a device which automatically monitors and adjusts the humidity.
Temperature
Likewise, a constant temperature is best for your piano. The best temperature for a piano is the same as that needed for the comfort of a person. Avoid placing your piano where there is a constant change in temperature such as near windows, exterior doors, or fireplaces.
Air
Don't place your piano within 3 feet of a vent blowing air toward it. If your piano is positioned several feet from a fireplace there should be no problem, but never place your piano next to a wood burning stove.
Light:
Try to keep your piano away from direct sunlight. The most damaging sunlight is from the east during the winter months. This sunlight can ruin your pianos finish. To slow the yellowing of white keys close the fallboard if the keys are plastic and leave it open if they are ivory.
Time for a tune up? We'll get you back on key!
Click here to contact us or give us a call at 918.299.8863.
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Bill Miller Piano Warehouse Tulsa, OK Phone: 918.299.8863 Fax: 918.835.2600 bill@billmillerpiano.net |
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